Dear Editor,
Taking care of the dead is now a serious problem in the Region # 2 district with the non-functioning of the freezing unit at the mortuary in Suddie. This has been the situation for several months now, and even with the take-over of the Essequibo Funeral Home (the name of the mortuary) by a management committee which was able to get the supply of electricity by GPL restored, some defective freezing components are yet to be put into working condition. No indication has been given as to how early this will be done with the blame being put squarely on the unavailability of funds to be provided by government.
Public concerns have been mounting about where to keep the dead in the present situation, as the other mortuary facility at the far end in Charity hospital compound does not have freezing units and can only accommodate a few bodies with the use of ice.
Some time ago, the vibrant Maria’s Lodge Burial Society was engaged in providing considerable help by making ice boxes available at a nominal rental to keep the dead, but they had to desist from the practice because officials of the Ministry of Health in the district were alleged to have said it was against the law to do so. Clarification on this matter is necessary.
Before there was a mortuary, the dead were taken care of right at home, and it was not considered to be a violation of the law.
In the absence of mortuary facilities, no family should be denied the right to take care of their loved one’s body for a decent funeral.
Yours faithfully,
Baliram Persaud
